This is a classic round jar by Maximiliana “Anna” Martinez.  She was a sister of Maria Martinez.   It is coil-built and stone polished.  These early signed pieces also often show the most creativity and freedom in their designs. This jar has a classic round shape and a short neck.  It is polished and painted with a series of old-style avanyu around the top of the shoulder.  Anna was always masterful about matching the shape and design, and it works beautifully on this jar by leaving open space below the design.  This style of imagery is a distinctive variation and part of the creativity of the “new” black-on-black style in the 1920s.  Don’t forget that the first black-on-black fired piece was only exhibited in 1920 in Santa Fe, so it was new for the potters of San Ildefonso.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Anna”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.